Mandy and Jason Brecher will soon open the doors at Oasis Care Home, a house in Luverne where seniors can live and receive skilled nursing assistance. Loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Business Finance and Microenterprise Loan programs helped the Brechers with start-up costs for their unique alternative to a traditional nursing home.
Oasis Care home is new construction, built with six private bedrooms that open onto Jack-&-Jill-style shared bathrooms. Nestled along a residential street, it offers the comforts of home with the addition of skilled nursing care around the clock, including medication management and help with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Meals, housekeeping and social activities are also provided.
Plans are to open Oasis Care Home in early August. To learn more about availability and the admission process, call 507-920-7071.
“We want our clients to feel independent and empower them to partake in the choices that make up their daily routine — whether that’s the time they get up, what they want for lunch or what how they’d like to spend their free time,” Mandy said. “Moving to a new place is stressful enough. By trying our very best to keep the same comforts and routine they had while living at home, we can eliminate some of the unfamiliar.”
Brechers will own and operate Oasis Care Home, with care services provided by additional staff. Mandy previously worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a similar home in the metro. Her mom inspired Oasis Care Home. When Mandy’s mom needed additional care, the nursing home atmosphere proved to be a poor fit, and she passed away 3 months after becoming a nursing home resident.
“We don’t want our story to be anyone else’s story. We want people’s loved ones to thrive while living here,” Mandy said. “We want to reduce stress for our residents, and in turn decrease stress on their families.”
SWIF’s financing, from its Business Finance and the Microlenterprise Loan programs, provided working capital and covered part of the construction and real estate costs.
“SWIF is happy to help Mandy and Jason open this unique business. The community is going to benefit from their passion and love for seniors and families,” said SWIF Program Officer Jackie Turner.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities by providing market-rate loans.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff — who all have personal business experience — to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and reading financials, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote kids, families, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $72 million through its grant and loan programs. SWIF has helped more than 690 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,500 jobs. SWIF also established 25 community affiliates and more than 100 school, donor-advised and other funds. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions to support young children. SWIF has received 1,650 acres of farmland through our Keep It Growing℠ farmland giving program. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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